Cocoa Island is located in the Maldive Islands, each
a perfect smudge of white. Here, in the quiet waters of the Indian
Ocean the strongest winds are gentle breezes, and the highest
points, leaning palm fronts. Each lagoon is a point of stillness,
but the encircling reefs bristle with life.
Our private island resort is found in the less developed South Malé
Atoll, a 30-minute speedboat ride from the international airport.
On the west side lies the Kandooma Channel, considered to be one of
the best dive sites in the Maldives; on the other side is a quiet
reef for snorkelling flanked by a curl of rockless beach which
tapers into a spit of sand. This is as long as the island,
disappearing with the advance of the Maldivian tide.
Rooms are inspired by dhoni boats, as used by local fishermen,
adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow ocean.
Each is its own discreet fiefdom. From your room, walk out on to a
private terrace; from your terrace, slip into a warm Maldivian sea.
The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the watery
expanse. And the bathrooms, all with double sinks, a bath and
shower, share the horizon views.
To hole up here is to discover escapism, or sweet serenity under a
reliable sun. It is a special place, at one remove from the noise of
modern living, where we nurture every need, attend to every detail,
and soothe away the stresses which belong to another life.
